Telephone-operator&#39;s key.



PATENTED MAR. 14, 1905.

L. W. WANEMAKEE. TELEPHONE OPERATOR'S KEY.

APPLIOATION FILED MAY 11, 1904.

2 SHEETS-SHEIET 1.

PATENTED MAR. 14, 1905.

LLW. WANEMAKER. TELEPHONE OPBRATORS KEY.

APPLIUATION FILED MAY 11, 1904.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

UNITED STATES -Iatented March 14, 1905.

LOUIS WILLIAM WANEMAKER, OF GENOA, ILLINOIS.

TELEPHONE-OPERATORS KEY.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 784,605, dated March14, 1905.

Application filed May 11 1904. Serial No. 207,355.

To (all whmn it may concern.-

Be it known that 1, Louis WILLIAM VVANE- MAKER, a citizen of the UnitedStates, residing at Genoa, in the county of Dekalb and State ofIllinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements inTelephone-Operators Keys, of which the following is a specification,reference being had therein to the accompanying drawings.

This invention relates to telephone-operators keys, and has for itsobject to provide a simple, eflicient, and durable structure of thischaracter which shall be free from the multiplicity of wiper-springs orflat metal springs now usually employed in such structures, which willhave no parts operating by gravity, so that it may be used in anyposit-ion and mounted upon any style. of board, table, or frame, andwhich will be rapid in operation combining in itself the functions of aclear-out drop, relay, and key.

To these ends my invention consists in certain novel features, which Iwill now proceed to describe and will then particularly point out in theclaims.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a view illustrating in theform of a diagram the connections of my improved key. Fig. 2 is a sideelevation of the key proper. Fig. 3 is a plan section taken on the linew a: of Fig. 2 and looking in the direction of the arrows. Fig. 4 is avertical sectional view, ona reduced scale, taken on the line 3/ y ofFig. 2 and looking in the direction of the arrows. Fig. 5 is a sectionalview in the same plane, but looking in the opposite direction. Fig. 6 isa view of the rear of the base, illustrating the connections; and Fig. 7is a view of a front portion of the base, showingthe contact-platesthereon.

Referring to the said drawings, in which there is shown a structureembodying my invention in its preferred form, 1 indicates a suitablebase of insulating materiahpreferably vulcanized fiber, upon which theterminals of the various lines leading from the instrument are mounted.

2 indicates a supporting-frame comprising parallel members 3 and 4,connected at one end with the base 1, their other ends being connectedby the member 5, extending parallel with said base 1. This base andframe support all of the operative parts and connections of theinstrument. Mounted on the member 4 is a standard or support 6, which,in conjunction with the main member 5, serves as a guide and support forthe keys 7 and 8. The key 7 comprises a shank or stem portion 9 and aterminal push-button 10, while the key 8 comprises a similar shankportion 11 and push-button 12, the two keys being parallel and passingthrough guiding-apertures in the frame member 5 and standard 6. In thepresent instance I have shown that portion of the stem which passesthrough the frame member 5 as circular in cross-section, while thatportion which passes through the standard 6 is square in cross-section.A single spring 13, preferably a coiled spring, serves to so actuateboth of these keys as to tend to move them outward or in the directionof their push-button terminals. To this end I employa bridge or link 14,to which one end of the spring 18 is connected between the ends of saidbridge or link, the other end of the spring being connected to somefixed partas, for example, the frame-member 5. The link 14 is itselfloosely connected at its ends to the shanks of the two keys, theconnection being preferably a pivotal connection at one end and asliding connection at the other end to allow for the swinging movementof the link in connection with the parallel movement of the keys. In theparticular construction shown the link is pivoted to the shank 9 of thekey 7 at 15, while its other end straddles the shank 11 of the key 8,said key being provided with a collar 16, forming an abutment againstwhich the link is held by the spring 13.

17 indicates a trigger pivoted at 18 to lugs 19, projectingfrom thestandard 6. This trigger comprises arms 20, lying on opposite sides ofthe shank 9 of the key 7 and a cross-piece 21, connecting said arms andforming a dog or tooth which cooperates with a shoulder 22 on the shank9 of the key 7. One of the The part 24 of the trigger 17 lies betweenthe projection and the lower end of the link 14, so that inward movementof the key 8 will disengage the tooth or dog 21 from the shoul-- der 22by lifting it up clear of the same.

, When the dog is thus lifted, the key 7 is free contacts beingconnected in the manner hereinafter described. Inward motion of the key7, on the other hand, will break this circuit by separating the contacts27 and 28. The contacts 28 are insulated from the shank 9 and from eachother by means of a block of insulating material, 29, to which they arefastened and which is in turn fastened to the shank 9.

The key 7 is provided at its inner end with a cross-piece 30, ofinsulatingmaterial, and the key 8 is provided at its inner end with asimilar cross-piece 31. These cross-pieces serve to operatecontact-levers 32 and 33, respectively, which levers are electricallyconnected with the cords and plugs which form a part of the operatorsoutfit. There are two of the levers 32, each comprising an arm 34,extending into a recess 35 in the base-plate 1 and there pivoted on anaxis or pin 36, of conducting material. Each lever 32 further comprisesanarm 37, lying in the path of the block 30, and an arm 38, extending inthe opposite direction from the arm 37. The levers 32 are of conductingmaterial and are united mechanically, but not electrically, so as tomove in unison by means of a cross-bar 39, either insulated or ofinsulating material. Similarly, the levers 33 are two in number, eachcomprising a pivot-arm 40,mounted on a pivotpin 41, and two contact-arms42 and 43, extending in opposite directions, the former lying in thepath of the cross-piece 31 on the key 8. The two levers 33 aremechanically united by across-bar44,of insulatingmaterial. These leversare normally held in the position shown by means of a coiled spring 45connecting the cross-bars 39 and 44, and it will be observed that thisspring 45 and the spring 13, hereinbefore referred to, are the onlysprings employed in the en tire device. Moreover, these springs arecoiled springs, easily removed and replaced, their ends being formedinto hooks which engage eyes 46 on the parts to which they areconnected.

Referring now more particularly to Figs. 1 and 6, A indicates asubscribers telephone,

which in the present instance we will assume to be that of the callingparty, and B another subscribers telephone, assumed to be that of theparty to be called. Their circuits terminate in jacks U and D on theswitchboard. E and F represent the plugs of the operators outfit, thecord-circuits of which are indicated in Fig. 1 by the lines or wires 0and f, respectively. The lines 0 are connected to projecting terminals47, mounted on the block or base 1 and in electrical connection with thepivot-pins 41 of the contact-levers 33. The lines or wiresf areconnected to projecting terminals 48, mounted on the block 1 andelectrically connected with the pivot-pins 36 of the contact-levers 32.The base or block 1 has on its front face, on each side thereof,acontact-plate 49, with which the arms 38 and 43 of the levers 32 and 33are normally held in contact by the spring 45. By reason of thisconstruction when the plugs E and F are inserted in the jacks C and Dthe telephones A and B will be connected. The operators instrument orset(indicated by the referencelettcr G) has its lines or wires gconnected with terminals 50, mounted on the block 1. WVires 51 extendfrom the terminals 50 to the contact-pieces 28, and other Wires, 52,extend from the contact-pieces 27 to the contact plates 49, so that whenthe circuit is closed between 27 and 28 the operators set is looped withthe circuit connecting A and B or with either the one or the other whenthe proper plug is inserted in the corresponding drop. The block or base1 is also provided with two contact strips or plates 53, provided at theback of the block 1 with terminals 54, to which are connected the wires55 of a generator or ringing circuit including a suitable generator 56.The contact strips or plates 53 are so located that theyextend under andin the path of the arms 37 and 42 of the contact-levers 32 and 33. i

The construction and arrangement of the parts-is such that when a slightpressure is exerted on either push-button 10 or 12, the first movementdisconnecting the operators telephone and the second movement connectingit, the keys 7 and 8, which move readily under this slight pressure,tend to come to rest as soon as the operators circuit has been made orbroken, and any further inward movement of either key requires a muchstronger pressure to overcome the combined action of the springs 13 and45. By means of such stronger pressure, however, the key 8 may be movedin until its block 31 comes into contact with the arms 42 of the levers33, tilting said levers upon their pivots until the arms 42 comeincontact with the plates or strips 53. When this has been accomplished,telephone A is connected with the ringing-circuit, and a signal isthereby given at said telephone. Similarly-increased pressure upon key 7will tilt levers 32 so as to bringtheir arms 37 into contact with theplates or strips 53, thereby connecting the ringing-circuit withtelephone B. Either telephone may thus be readily signaled or both atonce, if desired, and it will be understood that the connection of theringing-circuit breaks the connection with the contact-plates 49, andthus breaks the talking-circuit.

The instrument is also provided with what is known as a clear-outsignal, preferably in the form of a lamp 57, operated from a suitablesource of electricity, such as a battery 58, one wire from which(indicated by the numeral 59) leads directly to a terminal 60, mountedon the block 1, from which contact a wire 61 leads directly to the lamp.The other wire of the lighting-circuit (indidated by the numeral 62)leads to a terminal 63, also mounted on the block 1 and connected with acontact-plate 64, mounted on the side of the block.

65 indicates a relay comprising an electromagnet 66, mounted in ahousing 67 and provided with an armature 68, pivoted to the housing at69.

70 indicates a lever located within the housing 67, to which it ispivoted at 71. Said lever has one of its arms, 72, extended into thepath of the armature 68, while its other arm, 73, is extended through aslot 74 in the housing 67 and carries a contact-piece 75, which when thearmature 68 is in the position shown in Fig. 2 is not in contact withthe plate 64. hen the armature 68 is attracted by the magnet 66, itcomes into contact with the arm 72 of the lever 70 and moves thecontact-piece 75 into contact with the plate 64, thus closing theclear-out circuit through the lever 70, housing 67, "frame member 3, anda connecting-strip 76 or in any other suitable manner. The coil of themagnet 66 is connected by wires 77 with the contact-plates 49, so thatwhen the ringing-circuit of either telephone A or B is closed-as, forinstance, in the usual way in a magneto system by placing the re ceiveron the hook and giving the generatorcrank a turn or twothe magnet 66will be energized, the lightingcircuit closed, and the clear-out lightwill indicate this fact. To restore the relay and clear-out light totheir normal position, I employ a lever 78, pivoted on the housing 67 at79 and having one arm 80, which lies in the path of the arm 72 of thelever 70. The other arm, 81, of the lever 78 lies in the path of ashoulder or projection 82 on the shank 9 of the key 7. The constructionis such that when the key 7 is released from the trigger 17 by pressinginward lightly upon the key 8 the shoulder 82 will come into contactwith the arm 81 of the lever 78 and will move the arm and bring it intocontact tact-piece 75 away from the contact-plate 64, thus breaking thelighting-circuit and extinguishing the clear-out light, at the same timesetting the armature and lever 70 in position to again operate in themanner already described when the magnet 66 is again energized.

The operation of the device will be readily understood from thepreceding description. The ordinary or normal position of the parts whenthe apparatus is not in use and when the plugs are not connected to thejacks is such that the contacts 27 and 28 are in engagement with eachother and the operators telephone is connected with or cut into thecircuit between said plugs. l Vhen the calling party at telephone Asignals, the usual shutter or other signaling device on the switchboardwill indicate the fact. The operator then inserts plug E in jack C,whereupon his telephone is connected with telephone A, and he asks thecalling party what number is wanted. Having received this information,he places plug F in jack 1) belonging to telephone B, the party called.He thereupon presses firmly upon push-button 10 and moves key 7 inwarduntil the arms 37 ot' the levers 32 touch the contact-strips 53. Thisconnects jack D with the ringing-circuit and signals B i that he iswanted, at the same time and by one and the same movement cutting outthe operators telephone by separating the contacts 27 and 28. Whenpressure is removed from key 7, it moves outward until shoulder 22 comesinto contact with the dog or tooth 21 of the trigger 17, which preventsfurther outward movement of key 7, and thereby prevents the operatorstelephone from being again out in. At any time, however, the operatorstelephone may be cut in by pressing in lightly upon key 8, thus liftingthe trigger 17 sufliciently to permit key 7 to move outward and bringthe contacts 27 and 28 together. At any time a light inward pressure onkey 8 will permit the operator to listen, while light pressure on key 7will cut out the operators telephone without in any way affecting theconnection between the telephones A and B, the conversation between thecon nccted parties being in no way interrupted and said parties havingno knowledge of the fact that the operators telephone has been cut intothe circuit. Similarly, either A or B may be signaled by pressing in key8 or 7 with suiiicient force to accomplish this result in the manneralready described. It will thus be seen that the operator can ringeither party independently of the other while both plugs are connectedin circuit, this operation being known as ringing back and the key thusconstructed being a ring-back key. Generally speaking, the normalposition of the parts during the conversation between A and B is thatshown in Fig. 2, and at the end of said conversation the closing-signaloperates the clearout relay in the manner already described,

lighting the lamp 57. This notifies the operator that the conversationis finished, and pressure upon key 8 will release trigger 17 and permitthe key 7 to move outward, bringing shoulder 82 into contact with arm 81of lever 78' and so operating lever as to break the clear-out circuitbetween contacts 64 and 7 5. If sufficient pressure is exerted on key 8during this operation a signal will be given to the calling party,indicating the fact that the operator has taken cognizance of theclearout signal. In fact, it enables the operator to answer the ring-olisignal if he so desires with the same movement that restores the relayand signal to normal or inoperative position.

It will be seen that l have done away entirely with the numerous flat orwiper springs employed in operators keys as usually constructed and thatthe instrument is capable of being constructed as an operative devicewith the employment of only two springs and these coiled springs, whichare durable, readily ad usted, and readlly removed and replaced whennecessary or desirable. Moreover, these springs are so connected to themoving parts and the moving parts so connected to each other as torender the springs practically self-adjusting in equalizing their actionupon the movingparts. The instrument combines in itself in a singlestructure an operators key, clear-out signal, relay, and ringback and iscompact and self contained. Owing to this fact and to the further factthat none of the moving parts thereof are actuated or controlled bygravity, it can be mounted in any desired position and upon any portionof the board either in the drop-'lrame or in the front or top of theoperators table, with the base 1 either upright or horizontal. It issimple in construction and very rapid in operation. Finally, it fullilsthe conditions required of a device of this character in that itprovides means for readily connecting the operator with the callingparty and for readily connecting the calling party and party called;second, that it provides means for the operator cutting into or out ofthe circuit of the parties when connected without aliecting theirconnection; third, that it provides a means for ringing or signalingeither party without ringing or signaling the other party, and, fourth,that it provides means for indicating to the operator when the partiesare through talking and for enabling the operator to set said signal toits normal position again.

The particular construction chosen for purposes of illustration is thatwhich embodies my invention in. its preferred form; but it is obviousthat modification thereof may be made without departing from theprinciple of my invention. For instance, although 1 prefer to emgloyonly two springs to operate the parts it is manifest that a greaternumber may be employed. Furthermore, although I prefer to employ coiledmetal springs other forms of springs may be employed. Again, theinstrument in the particular form shown is one particularly designed foruse with complete metallic circuits throughout; but by obviousmodifications the instrument may be adapted for use where the earth isemployed as a return-circuit. Various other modifications will readilysuggestthemselves to those skilled in the art, and I therefore do notwish to be understood as limiting myself strictly to the precise detailsof construction hereinbeforc described, and shown in the accompanyingdrawings.

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim as new, anddesire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. In an instrument of the character described, spring-controlled'rocking contact-levers, contact-plates on which said levers normallybear for connecting them electrically, signaling-circuit contact-plateson the opposite sides of said levers, and separate keys forindependently moving said levers into contact with said last-mentionedplates, substantially as described.

.2. An operators outfit comprising rocking contact-levers respectivelyconnected to the cord-circuits of the plugs, contact-plates arranged inthe path of said levers in one direction to electrical] y connect saidlevers, springactuated means for holding said levers normally in contactwith said contact-plates, signaling-circuit contact-plates arranged inthe path of said levers in the opposite direction, and separate keys forindependently moving said levers into contactwith said last-mentionedplate, substantially as described.

3. An instrument of the character described comprising rockingspring-actuated contactlevers, means for electrically connecting saidlevers with the telephones of the respective parties, contact-plateslying between and on opposite sides of levers, the intermediate plateselectrically connecting said levers, which are normally in contacttherewith, the other plates being connected with the signaling-circuit,and separate keys for independently rocking said levers to connecteither telephone with the signaling-circuit, substantially as described.I

4. In an. instrument of the character described, rocking contactleversconnecting with the plug-circuits, contact-plates located between saidlevers to connect them electrically, a spring connecting said levers andholding them normally in contact with said plates,

signaling-circuit contact-plates located on the opposite sides of saidlevers, and means for independently rocking said levers into contactwith said last-mentioned plates, substantially as described.

5. In an instrument of the character denecting the levers of each pair,and a coiled scribed, an insulating-base, rocking contact leverspivotally mounted therein and mechanically connected in insulated pairsto move in unison, each pair of levers being electrically connected tothe respective wires of a plugcircuit, contact-plates located betweenthe opposite levers of the pairs, a spring connecting the two pairs tohold them normally in contact with said plates, signaling-circuitcontactplates located on the other side of each pair, andspring-controlled push-keys in the path of which said pairs arerespectively located, whereby said pairs may be independently moved intocontact with the signaling-circuit contact-plates, substantially asdescribed.

6. In an instrument of the character described, the combination, withrocking contact-levers having arms extending in opposite directions,contact-plates in the paths of said arms, and a spring connecting saidcontact levers, of push-keys arranged to contact with the respectivelevers, a link connecting said push-keys, and a spring connected to saidlink and to a fixed point, substantially as described.

7. In an instrument of the character described, the combination, withtwo pairs of rocking contact-levers, an insulated bar connecting thelevers of each pair, and a coiled spring connecting said insulated bars,of a push-key reciprocating in line with the springlifted portion ofeach pair of levers, and provided with aninsulated contact-piece to bearthereon and tilt said pair, substantially as described.

8. In an instrument of the character described, the combination, withtWo pairs of rocking contact-levers, an insulated bar conspringconnecting said insulated bars, of a push-key reciprocating in line withthe springlifted portion of each pair of levers. and provided with aninsulated contact-piece to bear thereon and tilt said pair, a linkloosely connected to said push-keys, and a coiled spring connected tosaid link between said push-keys and to a lixed point, substantially asdescribed.

9. In an instrument of the character described, the combination, withparallel-moving spring-actuated push-keys controlling thesignaling-circuits, of an operators set and aloopcircuit therefor, onepair of terminals of which is carried by and moves with one of saidkeys, and a latch normally engaging said key to hold said terminals outof contact with the other terminals of said circuit, said latch beingoperated by the other key, substantially as described.

10. In an instrument of the character described,the combination, withspring-actuated rocking contact-levers connected with the respectiveplugs, intermediate contact-plates for electrically connecting them, andsignaling circuit contact-plates arranged on opposite sides of them, ofindependent spring-actuated parallel-moving push-keys for rocking saidcontact-levers into connection with the signalcircuit contact-plates, anoperators set connected with the intermediate contact-plates bya'loop-circuit, said circuit being divided to form opposite fixed andmovable terminals, the movable terminals carried by one of saidpush-keys, and a latch normally engaging said last-mentioned push-key toseparate said terminals, said latch being operated by the other key,substantially as described.

11. In an instrument of the character described, the combination, withrocking contact-levers and cooperating contact-plates controlling thetalking and signaling circuits, an operators set and loop circuitconnected with the main talking-circuit, and means for making andbreaking said loop-circuit, of two springcontrolled push-keys, one ofwhich controls the loop-circuit making and breaking means, and a latchcontrolling said key and itself controlled by the other key, whereby alight pressure on said circuit-controlling key will break theloop-circuit, a light pressure on the other key Will close said circuit,and a heavy pressure on either key will connect the correspondingsubscribers telephone with the signaling-circuit, substantially asdescribed.

12. In an instrument of the character described, the combination, withtwo push-keys for ringing the respective subscribers signals, of aclear-out signal, and a circuit therefor comprisinga battery orgenerator and a switch for opening and closing the circuit, a relayconnected with the subscribers circuits and provided with an armature tooperate the switch to close the signal-circuit, and a lever arranged inthe path of one of said push-keys, and serving to open said switch whensaid pushkey is moved in the proper direction, substantially asdescribed.

13. An operators instrument comprising a frame, a clear-out signal andrelay mounted thereon, said relay controlling the clear-outsignalcircuit toclose the same when its magnet is energized, spring-actuatedpush-keys mounted in said frame and controlling the ringing andlistening circuits, one of said push-keys being provided with aprojection, a lever mounted in the path of said projection and operatingthe clear-out-signal switch when engaged by said projection, and a latchengaging said lever-operating key and controlled by the other key,whereby the initial pressure on said other key will release thelever-operating key to open the clear-out switch, while further pressureon said latch-operating key will close its ringing or signaling circuit,substantially as described.

1 1. In an instrument of the character described, the combination,withparallel-moving push-keys for separately controlling thesignaling-circuits of connected subscribers telephones, of a linkpivotally connected to one of said keys and having a sliding connectionIn testimony whereof I affix my signature in with the other key, and acoiled spring havpresence of tWo Witnesses.

ing one of its ends connected to said link be- I LOUIS WH LIAM WAYEMAKERtween its connections With the two keys,- the 1 L other end of saidcoiled spring being connected Witnesses:

to a suitable fixed part, substantially as de- ALoNz H. HOLROYD,scribed. E. A. BROWN.

